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Georgia vs. Arizona State Recap
Marilyn McManus
Posted: March 21st, 2009 @ 6:28pm
Source: View Box Score
The Georgia Bulldogs were knocked out of the NCAA Tournament in their first round game against the Arizona State Sun Devils, this afternoon, 58-47.
The Bulldogs had a ragged game, sometimes sloppy, and despite a very balanced attack, failed to get double-digit scoring from anyone on the team. Porsha Phillips, Angela Puleo and Angel Robinson each had 9 points to lead the team in scoring. Robinson also added a team-high 9 rebounds. The Bulldogs shot only 40% on the day and were unable to sustain an effective defensive effort, allowing the Sun Devils to hit 46%. Andy Landers’ displeasure was evident, early on, but nothing he said or did seemed to provide the answer that his team needed. The Bulldogs went scoreless for about 7 minutes, late in the first half.
The Sun Devils played a fast-paced game that seemed to leave the Bulldogs gasping, at times. Their in-your-face defensive style also bothered the Bulldogs and showcased a terrific matchup between point guards Ashley Houts and Briann January. That pairing was fast and physical and both players took some lumps. Especially considering that this game featured an officiating crew led by Dee Kanter, there was a collision between those two players, at the close of the first half, that was (believe it or not) a no-call. From my perspective, it was an offensive foul--as January plowed full into an almost-planted Houts with her shoulder slightly down for the impact. Both players hit the floor, hard, and Arizona State coach Charli Turner Thorne was highly agitated, but as no call had been made, there was no reason for the officials to review the play and the half ended.
The Bulldogs trailed only 20-27 at the half, but fell behind even further after the break. Though they managed to pull within 7 points again, with 4:33 left to play, they never managed to score consistently or defend well enough to gain the momentum needed to get closer or seriously threaten the Sun Devils. Arizona State had 4 players in double figures, led by Becca Tobin, Lauren Lacey and Kayli Murphy with 12 apiece. January added 10 points and also had 9 assists to lead the team. I fell that I must add that ASU played this game without leading scorer Dymond Simon, out for the year with a knee injury, despite the fact that her name must have been mentioned one hundred times by the broadcast team. OK, it’s a really cool name–but she didn’t PLAY! Try to concentrate on the kids who did play; they did a great job. (Hops off of soapbox)
Arizona State will play Florida State on Monday in their second-round matchup.
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